Rwanda and Belgium have agreed to resume diplomatic relations following a series of discussions aimed at resolving issues that had strained relations between the two countries.
The agreement was announced in a joint statement issued on September 22, 2026, by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, and Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and International Cooperation, Maxime Prévot.
Embassies to Reopen
Under the agreement, the Rwandan Embassy in Belgium and the Belgian Embassy in Rwanda will soon reopen in accordance with Article 2 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Initially, each embassy will operate under an interim Chargé d’Affaires acting on behalf of the ambassador. They will be supported by a diplomat or consul and a small team of technical staff.
The two countries will later submit requests for the accreditation of new ambassadors as they work toward fully restoring diplomatic activities.
The Rwandan Ambassador to Belgium will also be responsible for relations with the European Union.
Talks Addressed Previous Differences
The joint statement said that during several rounds of discussions, Rwanda and Belgium engaged constructively on issues that had previously led to disagreements and differences of opinion.
The two countries expressed appreciation to the Government of Qatar for facilitating the initial meeting between the two foreign ministers, which was held in Doha in June 2025.
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Diplomatic Relations Were Suspended in 2025
Rwanda suspended diplomatic relations with Belgium on March 17, 2025, and ordered Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours.
Rwanda said at the time that the decision followed careful consideration and cited Belgium’s conduct during the colonial period.
The latest agreement marks a move toward restoring formal diplomatic representation between the two countries.
Countries Commit to Continued Dialogue
Rwanda and Belgium reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining candid and appropriate dialogue while acknowledging that they continue to hold different positions on some international issues.
The two countries agreed that their future relationship should be based on non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, mutual respect and constructive cooperation.
